Easy Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft
Looking for a super simple and fun summer craft to do with the kids? This Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft is the perfect mix of easy, adorable, and a little bit silly, just the way we like it! Also great for studying the ocean and under the sea themes.
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Whether you’re looking for a rainy day project, a budget-friendly summer activity, or a fun addition to your ocean-themed lessons, this DIY octopus craft is a great pick! It’s simple to set up, easy on the wallet, and a clever way to reuse those empty toilet paper rolls.
For more summer fun, see these 19+ Easy DIY Fish Crafts for Kids, 10 Free Printable Fun Summer Handprint Crafts for Kids, and 10 Cute & Fun Summer Do-A-Dot Printables.
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
📌What You’ll Need
Toilet paper rolls
Googly eyes – grab this set of googly eyes that are super cheap and have a ton of different sizes that you can use on other projects.
Non-toxic paint – use the colors of your choice, but we went with green, purple, and turquoise.
Paint brush, scissors, and glue.
Paper plates – these are just to keep your craft area clean, and less messy.
Black marker – to draw on the mouth.
✨How to Make Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft
Prep Your Area:
Start by laying down paper plates or a plastic tablecloth. This will be your painting and drying station to keep the mess under control.
Paint the Roll:
Pick a fun ocean color like turquoise, green, or purple, and paint the entire outside of your toilet paper roll. Try to coat it evenly for the best look. Set it aside on a paper plate and let it dry, this usually takes about an hour, depending on the paint.
Make the Legs:
Use scissors to cut slits all the way around the bottom half of the roll. Space them about ½ to 1 inch apart, and cut them halfway up the roll. Then, carefully fold each strip outward to form your octopus legs.
Attach the Eyes:
Once the paint is dry, grab some glue and stick two googly eyes near the top of the roll. Press them gently in place and let them set.
Curl the Legs:
For a fun touch, wrap the end of each leg around your marker or pencil, then release. This helps give the legs a bouncy, curled look!
Add a Face:
Draw a sweet smile or silly mouth just under the eyes using a black marker.
Final Touches:
Adjust the legs and make sure everything is dry and in place. Once set, your toilet paper roll octopus is ready to show off!
Make a few in different colors to create a whole octopus family—perfect for an underwater-themed craft corner or classroom display!
💡Helpful Tips
- Use quick-dry paint if you’re short on time—acrylic works well and dries faster than washable paints.
- Pre-cut the slits if younger kids are participating to make the craft safer and easier.
- Want less mess? Use markers or crayons instead of paint for a no-dry-time version.
- Add extra details! Try gluing on mini pom-poms for cheeks or using glitter glue for a sparkly finish.
Now you have your very own adorable octopus made from a toilet paper roll! Whether you’re crafting with your little ones at home or adding a splash of ocean fun to your classroom, this easy project is a great way to get crafty (and maybe sneak in a little fine motor practice too!).
Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft
Supplies & Materials
- Toilet paper rolls
- Paint
- Googly eyes
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper plates optional
- Black marker
Instructions
- Cover your work surface with paper plates or a tablecloth.
- Paint the entire outside of a toilet paper roll in your favorite ocean color and let it dry completely.
- Glue two googly eyes near the top of the roll and let them set.
- Cut vertical slits around the bottom half of the roll, spacing them about ½–1 inch apart.
- Gently bend each strip outward to create the octopus’s legs.
- Draw a smile or fun expression below the eyes using a black marker.
- To curl the legs, roll each strip around a marker or pencil and release.
- Once dry and shaped, your octopus is ready to display!
